Sources reviewed October 27, 2026 · Confirm current rules with the agency
Washington is a monopolistic state, so required coverage comes from the state, not a private insurer. How monopolistic workers comp states work
When coverage is required
Washington generally requires workers' comp for covered workers through the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), unless you are an approved self-insured employer. Check whether you need an L&I account before you hire. Do not assume a private policy from another state meets Washington's rule. Tell L&I and your insurer about work in Washington and in other states.
Owners, contractors, and exceptions
Some people hired as contractors are still covered workers under Washington's tests. Owners have their own rules for being included or left out. Use L&I's guides on contractors and owners to review your real setup, and keep the records. A tax form, business license, or invoice does not prove every condition needed to leave a worker off.
If an employee is injured
Help an injured worker get care and file a claim with L&I, or with your claims handler if you self-insure. Do not discourage a worker from filing, and do not pay medical bills privately instead of filing a claim. Serious accidents also have separate safety reporting rules. L&I says to report a death or a hospital stay within eight hours, and an amputation or loss of an eye without a hospital stay within 24 hours.
Operating without coverage
If you do not report, Washington L&I estimates and collects the premium you owe. It adds penalties that grow from 5% to 20% of the premium, plus monthly interest. It can add other penalties for false information or poor payroll records. If your out-of-state coverage does not pay for a worker hurt in Washington, you can owe premium plus a penalty of 50% to 100% of the claim cost. Building permits require an L&I payroll estimate. Post your certificate of coverage and the poster titled 'Notice to Employees: If a Job Injury Occurs'.
How to arrange coverage
Open and keep the right L&I account unless you are approved to self-insure. Most Washington job classes base premiums on hours worked, not payroll, and the premium is split into several funds. Use L&I's job classes and rates to budget. This site's payroll-based calculator does not work for Washington, so check L&I's current rates instead.
Benefits and return-to-work planning
A work injury can lead to medical care, time off work, a lasting disability, or benefits for family members if a worker dies. Who qualifies, waiting periods, how wages are figured, and benefit limits all depend on state law and the facts of the claim. Ask your insurer which benefits it is looking at and what records it needs. Go by the doctor's work limits, not your own guess about what the worker can do. If you can offer lighter work, describe the duties and hours clearly and plan it with the doctor and your insurer.
Forms, posters, and notices
These links go straight to Washington’s official forms. Your insurer can often send a poster with your policy details already filled in.
Weekly benefit limits
These limits cap the wage replacement checks an injured worker can get. Medical care is paid separately. Limits change every year, so check the source for the latest figures.
- Waiting period
- The first 3 days are paid only if the worker is still off work on the 7th day.
Time-loss pays about 60% to 75% of wages, depending on dependents. The state legislature sets the monthly limits.
Check a contractor’s coverage
Look up any contractor or business to see its registration and workers' comp account status.
Owner exemptions and elections
Owners have their own rules for being included or left out of L&I coverage. The employers' guide explains them.
Frequently asked questions
Is workers' comp required in Washington?
Yes for covered workers. Coverage comes from Washington Labor & Industries (L&I) unless the employer is certified to self-insure.
Do business owners need workers' comp in Washington?
Some people hired as contractors are still covered workers. Owners have specific inclusion and exclusion rules on L&I's small-business pages.
How long does an employee have to report a work injury in Washington?
The worker files a claim with L&I within one year of the injury (two years for occupational disease). Employers must report a death or hospitalization to L&I within eight hours.
What happens if a Washington business doesn't have workers' comp?
L&I estimates and collects unpaid premiums with penalties up to 20% and interest. If out-of-state coverage fails, the employer can face a penalty of 50% to 100% of the claim cost.
How do I get workers' comp insurance in Washington?
Open an L&I account or become certified to self-insure. Private insurers cannot write Washington workers' compensation.
How much does workers' comp cost in Washington?
Washington premiums are set by L&I and are usually based on hours worked in each job class, not payroll. Use L&I's published rates for your job classes. This site's payroll calculator does not work for Washington.
Your next steps
Official sources & further reading
Washington L&I: account requirementsWashington L&I: small-business and owner questionsWashington L&I: responding to an injuryWashington L&I: premium calculation featuresWashington L&I: employers' guide to workers' compensation insuranceThis summary is for learning, not legal advice. Exceptions and changes may apply. If anything here differs from the official agency or the law, they are what count.